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Youth Development Programs

The Workforce Board Lehigh Valley Youth Development program is overseen by Workforce Board Lehigh Valley and its Youth Committee.

Our youth programs are designed to offer the neediest youth opportunities to successfully transition to adult roles and responsibilities. The emphasis has been on teaching academic and employability skills to youth who might otherwise not have an opportunity to succeed academically or vocationally.

The youth service providers work with various agencies to recruit youth who may be out-of-school, homeless, aging out of foster care, offenders, disabled, and other at-risk youth.

Youth Participation Benefits

Youth are assessed as they enter the program. Training is provided as needed for work readiness and advanced skills. In addition, youth may be set up in a work experience such as an internship or on-the-job training.

Youth who participate in the program receive, at a minimum, twelve months of follow-up services. The employment opportunity also provides planned, structured work experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time. Depending on the needs of the participant, work experiences may be paid or unpaid. Work experience workplaces are in the private; for-profit sector; nonprofit sector; or the public sector. These experiences enable youth to gain exposure to the working world and its requirements. Youth are able to acquire the personal attributes, knowledge, and skills needed to obtain a job and advance in employment.

Out-of-school Youth Services (17-24)

A variety of services are available to prepare young adults between the ages of 17-24, who are currently not enrolled in any school, prepare for the world of work. We can provide young adults with the tools needed to enable long-term success. 

The services include:

  • Paid internship opportunities
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT)
  • One-on-one remediation
  • Life skills
  • Career readiness
  • Personal financial literacy
  • Assistance with training and education. 

A personal recruiter and career advisor will help match your skills and qualifications to your identified career path.  PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley’s Youth program can assist you in achieving your short and long-term employment and educational goals as well as connecting you to services in the community.

Skills Training

Job Search

In-School Youth Services (Year round programs available)

Services for qualified youth include 

  • Work experience
  • Career exploration
  • Mentoring
  • Academic enrichment to help you gain the skills and information needed for your future.

Work, training, career connections, and more are available right now for young adults, 17-24 years of age! Get started today by filling out the Youth application.